Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist—Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese. This rich and creamy dish combines the beloved flavors of crispy bacon and zesty jalapeños with the gooey goodness of melted cheese, offering a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Perfect as a hearty main course or a delectable side dish, this recipe brings excitement to your dining table.

Ingredients

🌶️ 2 jalapeños, diced
🥓 6 slices of bacon, sliced
🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
🌾 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
🥛 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
🧀 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
🧀 1 cup shredded cheese blend (e.g. cheddar, Monterey Jack)
🧀 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
🍝 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked)
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1- Prepare Ingredients:

• Dice the jalapeños and slice the bacon into small pieces.

2- Cook Bacon:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy.
• Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.

3- Prepare Sauce:

• In the same pan, add the butter and diced jalapeños to the bacon grease. Sauté until the jalapeños are softened.
• Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute.
• Gradually add the evaporated milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
• Once the mixture begins to thicken, add the mozzarella cheese and half of the shredded cheese blend. Stir until melted and smooth.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

4- Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce.
• Add the crispy bacon pieces and stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.

5- Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Transfer the macaroni mixture to a glass baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese blend over the top.
• Bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6- Serve:

• Remove from the oven and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories (per serving): Approximately 550 kcal
Nutritional Information (per serving): Protein: 20g, Fats: 35g, Carbohydrates: 45g
Equipment: Large skillet, glass baking dish, mixing bowl

Cooking Tips

• Ensure to drain the bacon grease well to avoid a greasy macaroni dish.
• Play with cheese varieties for a unique flavor profile.

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Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese